Heilige Franciscus Xaverius 1644

This engraving by Mattheus Borrekens depicts Saint Francis Xavier, adorned with symbols that echo through time. The halo, a radiant circle behind his head, signifies divine grace. A motif found in countless religious traditions, from ancient sun gods to Buddhist deities, representing enlightenment and spiritual power. Notice his gesture: hand placed over his heart. This intimate expression recurs in depictions of piety and sincerity. Think of the ancient Roman gesture of placing a hand on the chest when swearing an oath. It’s a visual declaration of inner truth. This act of reverence, however, goes beyond the rituals of the church, touching on humanity's eternal quest for faith. The cross itself, a symbol of suffering and salvation, is present here. It reminds us of the cyclical nature of sacrifice and redemption, resonating on a deep, almost subconscious level. These symbols, laden with collective memory, remind us that art is never isolated. Instead, it is an ongoing dialogue with the past, echoing and transforming through the ages.